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Dubai, UAE, 28 March 2012 - Julian Smart has already trained the winner of the Group 1 Dubai Kahayla Classic, sponsored by EMAAR on two occasions with Nez D’Or in 2002 and two years ago with Jaafer.

The 2,000m contest on the all-weather track is regarded as one of the most prestigious races for Purebred Arabians and the second of those victories was achieved from his current base in Qatar and the English-born trainer, who did not have a runner last year, is back for another crack.

And he sounds quite hopeful that Harran ASF can run a big race. Smart said: “Obviously we are delighted to be here having missed last year and I would hope we have a decent each-way shout with a horse who has really improved this season. He was rated about 66 at the start of the campaign but has progressed tremendously and seemed to love the surface when we worked him at 4am on Wednesday.

“The draw is a bit disappointing but he is tactically versatile so it is not the end of the world. We are very much looking forward to it and it is nice to be part of a strong Qatari challenge as Al Mujahaz is a fair performer for George Mikhalides and TM Fred Texas is a quality performer.”